Amazing 1-Pan BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato

You know those nights? The ones where the clock is ticking, everyone’s hungry, and the thought of a sink full of dishes is justโ€ฆ too much? Yeah, I live for those nights because they’re the perfect excuse to whip up my BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Skillet. Seriously, this thing is a lifesaver! It’s one of those magical one-pan dinners where everything comes together so easily, and the cleanup is a breeze. I remember one night last week, I was totally wiped, but seeing my kids’ faces light up when they smelled this is just the best. Itโ€™s got that perfect sweet and savory combo thatโ€™s just so satisfying.

Close up of BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato cooking in a cast iron pan over an open fire.

Why You’ll Love This BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Skillet

Trust me, this skillet dinner is a winner for so many reasons:

  • So Easy! Seriously, it all cooks in one pan. Less mess, less stress โ€“ my kind of meal!
  • Flavor Explosion: You get that amazing sweet BBQ sauce mingling with tender chicken and hearty sweet potatoes. It’s a flavor party in your mouth.
  • Balanced Goodness: It hits all the right notes โ€“ protein from the chicken, complex carbs from the sweet potato, and just the right amount of savory-sweet sauce.
  • Weeknight Warrior: Ready in under an hour, making it perfect for even the busiest nights.

Ingredients for Your BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato

So, let’s talk about what you’ll need to make this magic happen! It’s all pretty straightforward, stuff you might even have on hand already.

  • Olive Oil: Just a tablespoon to get things started in the skillet.
  • Chicken: I love using boneless, skinless chicken thighs because they stay so juicy, but chicken breast works too if that’s what you’ve got. You’ll want about a pound, cut into nice 1-inch pieces.
  • Seasonings: A teaspoon each of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. This little combo gives the chicken a great base flavor.
  • Sweet Potato: One big one, peeled and diced up into bite-sized cubes. This is the star starch here!
  • Onion: Half a cup of chopped onion adds that little bit of savory depth.
  • BBQ Sauce: Half a cup is usually perfect, but honestly, pour in as much as your heart desires!
  • Chicken Broth: Just a quarter cup to help everything simmer together beautifully.
  • Fresh Parsley: A couple of tablespoons, chopped, for that pop of green and fresh flavor right at the end. Totally optional, but it just makes it look so pretty!

Close-up of BBQ Chicken on a grill, part of a BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato recipe.

How to Prepare the Perfect BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato

Alright, let’s get down to business and make this deliciousness happen! Itโ€™s really not complicated, but there are a few little things that make all the difference. My grandmother always said cooking is about patience and paying attention, and that’s totally true here. Itโ€™s less about perfect technique and more about just letting the flavors meld. We’re talking about one glorious pan of BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato goodness! If you love one-pan meals, you might also want to check out this Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet โ€“ it’s another favorite of mine.

Step 1: Browning the Chicken for Your BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato

First things first, get your skillet nice and hot over medium-high heat with that olive oil. Don’t crowd the pan! Brown the chicken pieces in batches if you have to. Giving them a good sear on all sides is key for that yummy depth of flavor. Sprinkle on that salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika before they hit the pan โ€“ it helps create this delicious crust.

Three pieces of BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato cooking in a cast iron pan, glazed and seasoned.

Step 2: Adding Vegetables to the BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Skillet

Once the chicken is looking beautifully browned, toss in your diced sweet potato and chopped onion. Give everything a good stir and let those veggies soften up for about 5 minutes. You want to start getting them a little tender and letting them soak up some of those chickeny bits from the bottom of the pan. Trust me, this step already smells amazing!

Step 3: Simmering the BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato

Now for the magic! Pour in your BBQ sauce (use your favorite kind!) and the chicken broth. Give it all a good stir to make sure everything is nicely coated. Once it starts to bubble, turn the heat down to low, pop a lid on tight, and let it simmer away. You’re looking at about 15 to 20 minutes, or until those sweet potatoes are fork-tender and the chicken is cooked all the way through.

Step 4: Finishing Touches for Your BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato

Almost there! Once everything is tender and delicious, take it off the heat. Scatter that fresh parsley all over the top. It just brightens everything up and makes it look super impressive!

Close-up of a skillet with BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato, peppers, onions, and herbs.

Tips for the Best BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato

Okay, so this BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Skillet is pretty foolproof, but I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years that just make it *extra* special. Little things, you know? Like, if you can’t find chicken thighs, chicken breast is no biggie, just make sure not to overcook it. And the BBQ sauce? Oh boy, that’s your jam! Find one you absolutely love because it really shines here. Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes totally works if you’re feeling a little spicy, too. Itโ€™s so versatile! If you’re looking for other sweet potato ideas, you’ve GOT to try these Sweet Potato Taco Bowls โ€“ they’re a total game-changer too!

Serving Suggestions for BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato

This BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Skillet is pretty much a full meal on its own, but if you want to round things out, I love serving it with a simple, refreshing side. A crisp Pineapple Cucumber Salad is perfect to cut through the richness, or if you’re feeling something a little heartier, some roasted veggies like these Garlic Herb Roasted Potatoes, Carrots, and Zucchini are fantastic!

Storage and Reheating Your BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Skillet actually tastes even better the next day. Just let it cool down completely, then pop it into an airtight container in the fridge. It should keep well for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, I find the stovetop is best โ€“ just a splash of water in the skillet over low heat, stirring gently, works wonders to bring back that saucy goodness and make sure the sweet potatoes are perfectly tender again. You can use the microwave too, but watch out for uneven heating!

Frequently Asked Questions about BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato

Got some burning questions about this yummy skillet? I get it! It’s always good to know a few little things when you’re trying something new, or just wanting to make sure you get it *perfect*. Here are a few things people often ask:

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs for my BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato?

Absolutely! While I love how juicy chicken thighs stay, chicken breast works just fine. Just be careful not to overcook it once it’s browned and in the pan; it cooks a bit faster. You’ll still get a delicious BBQ chicken sweet potato meal!

What kind of BBQ sauce works best in this skillet?

Oh, this is the fun part! Use your absolute favorite. Whether it’s a smoky, sweet, tangy, or extra spicy kind, it will totally work. The sauce is really the star here, so pick one you really love to eat!

I don’t have sweet potatoes, can I use regular potatoes for this BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato dish?

Yup, you can! Regular russet or Yukon Gold potatoes will work. Just dice them up the same way. They won’t have that signature sweetness, of course, but it will still be a hearty and tasty skillet meal. I find the sweet potato really makes it something special, though!

How can I make this BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato spicier?

Easy peasy! My go-to is to toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes right when you add the spices to the chicken. You could also use a spicier BBQ sauce, or even a dash of hot sauce right at the end. Just taste and adjust!

Nutritional Information

Just a heads-up, these numbers are estimates, and they can totally change depending on the exact BBQ sauce you use and how much you pile on! But roughly, for one serving of this glorious BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Skillet, you’re looking at:

  • Calories: Around 450
  • Protein: About 35g
  • Carbohydrates: Roughly 40g
  • Fat: Approximately 15g

It’s a really satisfying meal that gives you a good kick of energy!

Print

BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Skillet

A simple and flavorful skillet meal with chicken, sweet potatoes, and BBQ sauce.

  • Author: Mary
  • Prep Time: 15 min
  • Cook Time: 25 min
  • Total Time: 40 min
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Skillet
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add chicken pieces, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Cook until browned on all sides.
  3. Add diced sweet potato and chopped onion to the skillet. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Pour in BBQ sauce and chicken broth. Stir to combine.
  5. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until sweet potatoes are tender and chicken is cooked through.
  6. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

  • You can substitute chicken breasts for chicken thighs if preferred.
  • Adjust the amount of BBQ sauce to your taste.
  • For a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 25g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 120mg

Keywords: BBQ chicken, sweet potato, skillet, dinner, easy recipe, one-pan meal

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